Former Assembly Candidate Steve Sanchez Critical After Stabbing

Steve Sanchez, one-time candidate for the 80th District Assembly Seat, is in critical condition at a Los Angeles-area hospital after being stabbed at a birthday party over the weekend.

Whittier police told News Channel 3 they responded to a complaint at 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning on the 6200 block of Friends Avenue.

They said two people showed up at a party drunk and were asked to leave. That turned into an argument, and the homeowner and friend were stabbed by the two drunk men once in the neck and once in the chest.

The two victims, one presumably Sanchez, were taken to USC Hospital’s trauma center, and admitted under an assumed name.

Sanchez was listed in critical condition throughout Monday after suffering stab wounds to his neck and chest.

UPDATE: A gathering of prayers and well-wishes has erupted on Facebook. A friend set it up explaining:

“As many of you already know, our dear friend and Marine, Steve Sanchez was injured last night. While out with his friends, he tried to stop a fight and was stabbed puncturing his diaphragm and his heart. He is recovering from surgery in the ICU.I know we’d all be out in CA by his bedside if we could, but we’re scattered all across the country. Let’s show him know how much we love him and are pulling for him. Leave Steve a message on this page, so he can see how he’s appreciated when he’s well enough to read them.Please join together and continue to pray and ask God to grant Steve COMPLETE and total recovery.Please pass this invite on to those who know Steve and repost on your profile. Much thanks to all! One love!!! Xoxo”

Friends tell News Channel 3 their thoughts and prayers are with Sanchez.

Gary Jeandron knows Sanchez as a politician and a friend. He isn’t surprised Sanchez would step in to help.

“What typically happens is people run from the fight. Steve would stand and try to break up the fight or he’d stand for his friend to try and defend them. So, while others would run, Steve Sanchez would stay,” said Jeandron.

News Channel 3 is tracking down the latest information on this story. If you know of any information, please e-mail us here.